apresar

The Spanish verb "apresar" primarily means "to capture," "to seize," or "to catch."

Meaning

• Apresar refers to the action of taking someone or something by force, capturing or imprisoning them.
• It can be used literally as in capturing an animal or a person.
• It can also be used figuratively, such as "apresar una oportunidad" meaning "to seize an opportunity."

Parts of the word

• "a-" is a prefix often meaning "to" or indicating direction towards something.
• "presar" comes from Latin roots connected to "press" or "pressing," related to holding or seizing.

Synonyms

• capturar (to capture)
• coger (to catch)
• detener (to detain, to stop)
• prender (to arrest)

Antonyms

• liberar (to free, release)
• soltar (to let go, release)

Examples in sentences:

• El policía apreso al ladrón.
  (The policeman captured the thief.)

• Hay que apresar la oportunidad cuando se presenta.
  (You have to seize the opportunity when it appears.)